As we approached the Jacob Javits center Sunday afternoon, we were struck by how barren it seemed. The only other time we had ventured to the massive and ever so shiny building was during Comic Con 2008. Let me tell you, that place was packed. Every inch was bursting with patrons, both costumed and un. I suppose I just assumed that was always how these events were. When we arrived at the area that held the Fangoria convention, I was shocked at how small it was. Not just small for the Javits center, but small in comparison to shows I've been to.
We quickly did a round and I was frankly unimpressed. If I've seen Tom Savini's scowling mug once I've seen it a thousand times. There were very few vendors and there just seemed to be little to look at. Being the silver lining kinda gal I am, I decided that Ms. Marilyn Burns was worth the price of admission and I chatted her up. Not only did I get a super adorable picture with her, I was also able to get the answer to a question that has long plagued me. My talented and all round lovely partner thinks I am color blind and unable to see the true shade of Sally's tank top in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I always said Sally's tank top is purple; Dylan said blue. I knew it was purple. Marilyn Burns said it was purple and she was the only one actually there. So I am right!
After our brief encounter with Ms. Burns we did another round on the floor, peeking into the Q&A with Maniac Cop director William Lustig. Just when we were about to call it a day Dylan, with his eagle eye, spotted none other than Maitland McDonagh. Now, if you don't know who Maitland McDonagh is, you should click on the link I provided. If you'd like to know why I nearly swallowed my tongue upon seeing her, read on. McDonagh is a phenomenal author and provides some of the most poignant and insightful film critique I've ever encountered. We have seen her speak on a panel along with other film critics to discuss horror as a viable film genre. She was also super on that Bravo special 100 Scariest Movie Moments. I guess you could say I idolize this woman. I used my nifty deductive reasoning skills to figure she was most likely there for Argento as she has written one of the premiere books on his films. We followed her right into his Q&A.
McDonagh was the moderator for Argento's "panel". It was interesting enough. Admittedly, we had very little idea what anyone was talking about. Argento's accent is thick. I found myself roped in by McDonagh's questions but then I would quickly realize I had no clue what his answer was. It was still a nice experience to happen upon. After they had left the stage Argento retreated behind a curtain to sign autographs. I didn't mind, I was stalking Maitland. I approached her and told her how excited I was by her surprise appearance and how I loved her book, Filmmaking on the Fringe (I recommend that one highly). She was actually super nice and easy to talk to. I went from shrill fangirl to normal human being in the blink of an eye.
I am pleased to say the trip into the borough of Manhattan was thoroughly worth it.
You should also take a look at Maitland McDonagh's site here.
6 comments:
Two quick things: I completely agree with you about Savini, he's the first and last motherfucker I ever plan to pay $20 to sign an 8 X 10 and take a scowling picture with me. Thanks for the Frightmare Weekend memories, ya prick!
And secondly, I actually have the Filmmaking on the Fringe book, it's great, glad you got to meet someone you really like out of the trip!
The barrenness of the Javitz was kinda freaky, although maybe it was just trying to look like a great refuge in the zombie apocalypse. Nice spottage of McDonagh and thanks for the link to her site. Have fun at the continuation of you festival run!
Great post Christine - I am so envious of the fact you got to chat up Maitland McDonagh. I want to be her when I grow up. Must try and check out that book you mentioned. ;)
Too bad the show wasn't better attended - although I don't think that Fango has ever had much luck with summer cons. I went to several summer WOH's in the late '90s and they were always dead with hardly a vendor in sight. I would've loved to have gone this year just to see Maitland McDonagh, though. Broken Mirrors/Broken Dreams is still the definitive look at Argento and Filmmaking on the Fringe book is one of the best books ever written on cult filmmakers - I'd love to see her do a Volume 2 at some point.
Did you buy anything?!
I haven't heard too many good things about the Fango cons as far as there size and everything. I went to a Fango/Chiller hybrid that was the best con I ever went to, but I think that was more on Chillers involvement.
But it still sounds like you had some fun at least...even a shitty con is still a con.
Savini's douche baggery is becoming legendary. Kane Hodder, on the other hand, is incredible at conventions. I'd always heard a lot of great things about him, but this was the first time I saw him in person. My friend and I decided that we'd shell out a $20 for a group photo, and instead, we just sort of trickled over and he and his brother just started chatting us up and making jokes. Posed for pictures without asking for anything. He's definitely a guy that understands horror fandom.
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